Mastering your Morning

There are countless research studies to support the claim that, if you master your morning, you master your day.

The morning process I developed for myself combines 5 key areas. This process can be quick- a total of 5 minutes, or it can take much longer. It all depends on the amount of time you wish to set aside. Deciding how much time you want to devote to this practice is a powerful first step to a morning routine you ENJOY. A morning process will not work if it is not helpful or enjoyable, and you can definitely get as much benefit from 5 minutes as you can from 50 minutes.

My biggest tip is to do your morning process BEFORE you pick up your phone or open your computer. This process will still help you to rebound from the “noise” if you forget, but beginning the day with your morning process ensures that you listen to your own voice and inner wisdom first. It gives you the opportunity to decide how you want to show up, providing a powerful foundation for your day.

5 Key Ingredients to a Good Morning

1. 1. BODY: how does your body feel waking up today? How much energy do you have? BONUS: Do you feel strength, or tension, connection or disconnection with your body? How can you acknowledge your body, and your needs, before the day begins?

1. 2. INSPIRATION: State one thing you are grateful for, right now. This directs our brain to find positivity & creativity & creativity in our day, as opposed to negativity & scarcity. BONUS: Read something positive! This could be one line or one chapter from a book, or a daily devotional that is inspiring to you.

1. 3. PRAY: Prayer or meditation can help you to synthesize the inspiration you just took in, and integrate it within your body before the day begins. Again, this can be a short 10 second prayer or a 10 minute meditation: your choice!

1. 4. INTENTION: Set an intention for your day, based on what you NEED today & the state you woke up in (#1), the inspiration you received through your reading & prayer (#2 & 3), and the goals & vision you are working towards in general. Thinking of all these categories, what 1-5 words define your intention for the day? Some examples of popular intentions include: “focus”, “clarify”, “slow down”, “set my boundaries with others”, “don’t work past 6”, “connect with others” or “remember I am powerful”.

1. 5. MOVE! This can as simple as doing 2 pushups, or as intense as a 45 minute sweat session. The important thing is to get a little adrenaline going, signaling that it is now time to begin your day!